“I come to the current debate as a long-time advocate for crippling sanctions against Iran. In my eight years in the Senate, I supported every Iran sanctions bill that came up for a vote and I spoke out frequently about the need to confront the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its support for terrorism, and its hostility toward Israel. As Secretary of State, I spent four years sharpening a choice for Iran’s leaders: address the international community’s legitimate concerns about their nuclear program or face ever-escalating pressure and isolation. With support from Congress and our allies, our diplomacy yielded the toughest international sanctions ever imposed.” – Hillary Clinton
BACKGROUND: The GOP refuses to recognize Hillary Clinton’s tough, smart, and consistent approach on Iran and ignores the work she has done to reach a comprehensive solution to the international threat posed by Iran’s nuclear development.
FACTS:
- Regarding the latest developments with Iran, Secretary Clinton stated, in part:
- “I strongly support President Obama and Secretary Kerry’s efforts between now and June to reach a final deal…There is much to do and much more to say in the months ahead, but for now diplomacy deserves a chance to succeed.”
- “Getting the rest of the way to a final deal by June won’t be easy, but it is absolutely crucial. I know well that the devil is always in the details in this kind of negotiation.”
- “The onus is on Iran and the bar must be set high.”
- Hillary Clinton has a consistent record of toughness on Iran and has worked tirelessly to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
- As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton built and maintained a coalition to enact the toughest sanctions in Iran’s history. According to Secretary Clinton in 2012, “We convinced all 27 nations of the European Union to stop importing Iranian oil and all 20 major global importers of Iranian oil – including Japan, India, China, and Turkey – to make significant cuts. Iran today exports more than one million fewer barrels of crude each day than it did just last year. Iran’s currency is worth less than half of what it was last November. The pressure is real and it is growing.” These sanctions and their impact played a significant role in bringing the nation to the negotiating table.
- Hillary Clinton laid the groundwork for the current compromise to limit Iran’s nuclear program by getting Russia and China on board. The Wall Street Journaleditorial board noted that, “Clinton surely pulled out every stop to get Russia and particularly China…on board.” And as Howard Dean told CNN, “Hillary Clinton cranked up the sanctions for the first time under President Obama that actually made the Iranians come to the table.”
- Secretary Clinton worked to push the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions and Divestment Act (“CISADA”) through Congress. At one point Clinton “brokered a last-minute compromise with House leaders” and “became the de facto chairwoman of the conference committee” to help ensure the bill’s passage, according to the book HRC: State Secrets.
- Clinton spent four years as Secretary of State sharpening a choice for Iran’s leaders to either negotiate with the international community or face increasing isolation from the rest of the world.
- As a Senator, Hillary Clinton supported every Iran sanctions bill that came up for a vote.